Spring (March to May)

Spring is clearly the season for rebirth and reawakening as apple, pear, cherry and peach trees blossom from March to April while forests of rhododendrons flower right through to May. Only the lucky ones get to witness the jacarandas bloom at Punakha Dzong because they appear only for a month. It stays rather cold in March with temperatures ranging from 0-16°C and gets warmer in April and May with temperatures as low as 4°C and as high as 26°C.

Summer (June to August)

The summer months of Bhutan see more rain than usual, though it is a common misconception that summer in Bhutan is also its “monsoon season”—it only drizzles lightly with showers not lasting longer than an hour; the rain does get slightly heavier when autumn looms. While it is easier to access the sought-after sights and spots, the summer climate allows for seasonal produce like the rare Matsutake and Chanterelle mushrooms to flourish. With bushier trees and thicker grass lushly regrown over the hills and mountains of red clay soil, green is very much the colour of the season. Temperatures range from a low of 13°C to a high of 30°C.

Autumn (September to November)

With paddy fields all golden, autumn is the time to harvest. Markets are filled with the freshest produce and the festivals are a spectacle to behold. Temperatures stay relatively warm till October, when it gets as cold as 5°C and as warm as 25°C.

Winter (December to February)

The eastern Himalayas become outstandingly visible during the winter months of clear blue skies. While the air is crisp, dry and cold, the winter conditions invite black-necked cranes to make their seasonal pilgrimage to Phobjikha Valley. Temperatures range from below freezing to 18°C.

All trips to Bhutan have to be booked via an authorized agent. With most other agencies, that usually entails selecting an existing package that does not allow for much flexibility.

At Amala Destinations, we believe in creating your ideal trip with you. After meeting with one of our knowledgeable destination planners, we take your requirements into consideration before coming up with a specially designed itinerary and handling all the necessary travel logistics. All you need to do is pack your bags and set off on your journey.

Visas

All visitors to Bhutan apart from Indian, Bangladeshi and Maldivian citizens will require a visa (USD$40 processing fee). Amala Destinations will handle this on your behalf – all we need is a scan of your passport. A visa clearance letter will have to be presented at the point of entry.

Food

The Bhutanese love their food spicy. Chillies feature prominently and the locals are usually not satisfied unless a meal packs a lot of heat. Rice is their main staple, with chicken, beef and pork the typical choice of protein, accompanied by one or two side dishes of vegetables. The country’s favourite dish is Ema Datshi, a simple dish consisting of chilli and cheese.

Mahayana Buddhism

The kingdom’s state religion, Mahayana Buddhism is central to the Bhutanese lifestyle. At the heart of Mahayana Buddhism is a deep compassion for all sentient beings, and as a mark of respect it is advised that visitors engage in the same mindfulness, even if it means refraining from swatting flies or crushing ants.

Bhutanese Dress

A distinguishing element of Bhutan’s cultural heritage, the kingdom’s traditional dress has evolved over thousands of years. The Gho is worn by men only, and is a knee-length robe, which looks similar to a kimono, that is tied at the waist by a traditional belt called a Kera. The women wear the Kira, a long, ankle-length dress, with a light outer jacket known as a Tego, and an inner layer known as a Wonju.